Leptinotarsa decemlineata Insect Coleopter Leaf Beetle

Leptinotarsa decemlineata cm 1.1-1.2 Insect Coleopter Leaf Beetle.
Common name: The Colorado Potato Beetle.

The origins of the insect are unclear, but it seems that it is native to the southern regions of North America, specifically in the area between Colorado and Mexico. Currently this insect has spread almost all over the globe. In 1877, the Colorado beetle reached Europe and proceeded to spread throughout the continent. During the Second World War, the invasion of Colorado Beetle was used as propaganda, saying that had been launched by US planes. From this period dates the spread throughout Europe insect that was introduced in Italy in 1944.
The Colorado beetle develops exclusively on Solanaceae, preferably on the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.); very susceptible to attacks it is also the eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) of which migrate in the summer when adults leave the plants now skeletonized potato. Much less frequent infestations against tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). The damage occurs on the leaves and is determined by all the mobile forms (larvae and adults) who act as defoliators. Infested plants are defoliated completely: they can then die soon or react to produce side shoots at the expense of the production of tubers.